Cumberlands Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta Wins 40th Best Chapter Award

WILLIAMSBURG, KY – The University of the Cumberlands (UC) chapter of the history honor society Phi Alpha Theta received the Best Chapter Award for the 40th time out of the 41 years the award has been presented.

“We like to stay active,” said Dr. Nathan Coleman, associate professor in the school’s history department and Phi Alpha Theta’s faculty advisor. “We are an honor society devoted to the intellectual achievements of students and we like to convey that through events within the community and school.”

UC’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta has volunteered and hosted many events on campus and in the community. The chapter’s most recent project is designating the city of Williamsburg, Kentucky as a historic city through the national government.

“This is a great opportunity for our members,” said Coleman. “This gives students the real-life experience that will give them an advantage when trying to get a job or apply for grad school.”

Phi Alpha Theta’s mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning ideas among historians. The society is divided into six divisions based on student enrollment. Each of these divisions is expected to follow this mission statement to be considered for the Best Chapter award.

The UC chapter of Phi Alpha Theta is a Division One chapter, competing against more chapters than any other division. The society currently has four members, with many more alumni who are lifetime members of the society.

“The great thing about this society is that you learn the value of hard work,” said Coleman. “A student learns that their work means something and will pay off.”